Best Time To Visit Hoi An

Hoi An is located in the centre of Vietnam’s lengthy coastline. Hence, it is governed by two main seasons — wet and dry and doesn't leave much of a shoulder season. But June, July, August and September are a good time to visit because of the accommodation prices are lower than that of the peak season. June is a little warm but remains favourable for beach activities. July and August are the hottest months of the year, and the highest temperature can reach 38°C during day time.

Drizzles begin to appear by September, and beach activities remain closed in most of the places.
For travellers in Hoi An, the prime attractions are the heritage sights, and it's not too hard to cover these spots during this period. However, one must tally their calendar with other beach destinations and its climatic condition if they wish to cover more parts of Vietnam.

October to January is not a favourable time to visit Hoi An. October and November are the wettest months in the year, and the typhoon scare cannot be ruled out during this time. Floods are also a common occurrence during October and November, and though life goes on as usual for the locals, travelling in boats, and walking in knee-deep waters can be dangerous for those not from the country. The winter period in Hoi An is during December and January. Though the temperature is enjoyable during this time, it is the rains that play a spoilsport. Also, beach activities remain closed during this time. Sightseeing can be carried out during these two months.

Hoi An Weather from February to July

Hoi An’s dry season begins in February and runs through July. This season is marked by lots of sunshine, minimal rainfall and less amount of humidity — the perfect time for a holiday. The dry season is an excellent time to enjoy the beach, but most importantly, it is a good time to travel around, explore the museums, ports and ancient relics which this city, a UNESCO heritage site, is most known for.

The dry season can be roughly divided into two parts — February to April/May, and June to August. February to April/May is the most pleasant, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall.
Although dry, the mercury is at its highest during June, July, and August. The temperature during these months reaches a maximum of about 38°C. But it's a good time to hit the beach if you are in for some tan. It is also a good time for fishing and activities like diving and snorkelling can be enjoyed best during this period.

Events and Festivals during the Dry Season

• Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, is likely to fall on February, or otherwise on the last week of January. The day is determined by the lunar calendar and celebrated with colourful decorations and food festivals across the country.
• Da Nang, a city near Hoi An, hosts the 'Da Nang’s International Fireworks Festival' in April.
• 'Half Tet' is a day-long festival taking place in June. It is marked by dragon boat races by day and coloured lantern parades by night.
• July and August have the biggest Full Moons of the year - a must-see for visitors at Hoi An during this time. The celestial event makes for a spectacular scene over the ocean.

Hoi An Weather from August to January
Wet Season begins in August, and continues till January. August also is one of the hottest months of the year, with temperatures reaching a maximum of about 38°C during the day. By the end of the month, the drizzles start pouring in, and temperature considerably decreases by September. These two months are good for travelling to Hoi An if your prime interest is to explore the heritage sites. But if you wish to cover other parts of Vietnam alongside this city, it's suggested that you plan it before September.

By September, the tariffs for accommodation begins to go down, which is a plus side. October and November are usually the wettest months of the year. Flood is a common occurrence during these two months, so it is best that you avoid travelling on these months. In recent years, however, a certain amount of climatic changes are seen during October — sometimes it remains in the grip of strong monsoons, while, sometimes, it is blessed with ample sunshine. There is also a risk of the typhoon during this time.

The humidity decreases in November as winter sets in. In November and December, the temperature is around 20°C. However, beach activities remain closed until January due to the threat of monsoons.

Events and Festivals during the Wet Season

• The full moon of August is one of the biggest and most spectacular — a sight that every tourist ought to behold and capture.
• "Wander Souls Day" (Vu Lan Festival) takes place on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month and usually falls in August. Prayers mark the eve in Buddhist temples and the graves of loved ones, a definite must see for those wishing to explore the city's culture.
• "Mid Autumn Festival" rolls in by end of September in Hoi An. The time is marked by colourful parades, dramatic costumes, drumrolls, and floats of lions, unicorns, and dragons abounding the streets. The "Vietnamese Street Food" also kicks in during this time. Vietnam's Independence Day falls on the second of September.